COVID – 19 Pandemic

Published on April 12, 2026

COVID-19 is declared a global pandemic, triggering unprecedented public health measures and widespread economic disruption. South Africa implements strict lockdowns, profoundly affecting businesses, cultural institutions, and daily life. In response, the National Arts Festival adapts by presenting its programme in a fully digital format for the first time over the following two years, ensuring continuity

Unbanning of the ANC

Published on April 12, 2026

The apartheid government announces the unbanning of the African National Congress (ANC) and other liberation movements, signalling the beginning of formal negotiations toward a democratic South Africa. This landmark decision follows years of internal resistance and international isolation. The move allows previously prohibited organisations to operate openly and engage in political processes, marking a decisive

State Of Emergency

Published on April 12, 2026

A nationwide State of Emergency is declared by the apartheid government, granting sweeping powers to security forces amid escalating resistance and unrest. The measure allows for mass detentions without trial, censorship of media, and the suppression of political activity. While intended to restore control, it intensifies both internal opposition and international condemnation. The State of

Fees Must Fall

Published on April 12, 2026

The Fees Must Fall movement gains national momentum as students protest rising tuition fees and broader inequalities in higher education. The protests spark widespread debate about access, transformation, and the legacy of structural inequality in post-apartheid South Africa. The movement leads to significant policy responses and remains a defining moment in contemporary student activism and

The death of Nelson Mandela

Published on April 12, 2026

Nelson Mandela passes away, prompting an outpouring of grief and remembrance across South Africa and the world. His death marks the end of an era and invites reflection on his enduring legacy of leadership, reconciliation, and moral courage. Memorials and tributes highlight his global influence, while within South Africa, his passing reinforces the ongoing responsibility

The Marikana Massacre

Published on April 12, 2026

The Marikana massacre occurs when police open fire on striking mineworkers, resulting in significant loss of life. The event shocks the nation and draws attention to ongoing issues of inequality, labour relations, and economic justice in post-apartheid South Africa. It prompts widespread debate about governance, corporate responsibility, and the lived realities of workers, becoming a

2010 FIFA World Cup

Published on April 12, 2026

South Africa becomes the first African host for the tournament. The event represents a moment of national pride and global visibility for South Africa, showcasing its infrastructure, culture, and organisational capacity. Beyond sport, the World Cup stimulates investment, tourism, and international engagement, leaving a lasting legacy in infrastructure development and positioning the country as a

2008 Wall Street Collapse

Published on April 12, 2026

The collapse of Lehman Brothers triggers a global financial crisis, leading to widespread economic instability and recession. South Africa experiences significant knock-on effects, including slowed economic growth, job losses, and increased financial pressure on households and businesses. The crisis underscores the country’s integration into global financial systems and highlights the vulnerability of emerging economies to

11 September Attacks

Published on April 12, 2026

Coordinated terrorist attacks in the United States reshape global geopolitics, security frameworks, and economic systems. The impact is felt worldwide, influencing international relations, travel, trade, and policy environments. For South Africa, as part of the global economy, these shifts contribute to changing dynamics in security, diplomacy, and economic interdependence, highlighting the increasing interconnectedness of global

The South African Constitution Adopted

Published on April 12, 2026

South Africa formally adopts its new Constitution, widely regarded as one of the most progressive in the world. It enshrines a comprehensive Bill of Rights, guaranteeing equality, dignity, and freedom for all citizens. The Constitution establishes the legal and institutional framework for a democratic society grounded in accountability and the rule of law. This milestone

Democratic Elections

Published on April 12, 2026

South Africa holds its first democratic elections, allowing citizens of all races to vote for the first time. The election represents the formal end of apartheid and the beginning of a new constitutional democracy. With millions participating peacefully, it stands as a powerful symbol of national unity and transformation. This milestone not only reshapes the

Nelson Mandela is Released

Published on April 12, 2026

Nelson Mandela is released from prison after 27 years, marking a decisive turning point in South Africa’s history. His release follows sustained internal resistance and mounting international pressure on the apartheid government. Mandela’s emergence signals the beginning of formal negotiations toward a democratic future and is widely celebrated as a moment of hope and reconciliation,

United Democratic Front Formed

Published on April 12, 2026

The United Democratic Front is launched, bringing together hundreds of civic, religious, student, and labour organisations in a unified front against apartheid. The UDF plays a critical role in mobilising mass resistance through coordinated campaigns, protests, and community action. Its formation marks a shift toward broader, more organised internal opposition, strengthening the anti-apartheid movement and

J.M. Coetzee wins Nobel Prize in Literature

Published on November 13, 2025

J. M. Coetzee is awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, celebrated for his incisive and often unsettling explorations of power, identity, and human ethics. As one of South Africa’s most internationally acclaimed writers, Coetzee’s recognition underscores the country’s continued literary excellence in the democratic era. His work contributes to global conversations about justice, responsibility, and

Nadine Gordimer wins Nobel Prize in Literature

Published on November 13, 2025

Nadine Gordimer is awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, recognised for her powerful writing that confronts the moral and social complexities of apartheid. Her work brings international attention to the lived realities of South Africans under segregation, reinforcing the role of literature as both witness and resistance. This achievement highlights the global impact of South

Wole Soyinka wins Nobel Prize in Literature

Published on November 13, 2025

Nigerian writer Wole Soyinka is awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first African recipient of the honour. His recognition signals a major moment for African literature and intellectual thought on the global stage, affirming the cultural and political significance of African storytelling. For South Africa and the broader continent, this achievement underscores the

Assasination of Chris Hani

Published on November 13, 2025

The assassination of popular ANC and SACP leader Chris Hani nearly derailed the peace process, but Nelson Mandela’s subsequent plea for calm helped secure the transition.

Death of Steve Biko

Published on November 13, 2025

Steve Biko, leader of the Black Consciousness Movement, dies in police custody after severe assault, sparking outrage both locally and internationally. His death exposes the brutality of the apartheid security apparatus and becomes a powerful symbol of resistance against oppression. The global response intensifies calls for sanctions and isolation of the apartheid state, while within

The Soweto Uprising

Published on November 13, 2025

The Soweto Uprising begins as thousands of black school students protest against the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. The peaceful march is met with violent police repression, resulting in widespread unrest and international condemnation of the apartheid regime. The uprising becomes a defining moment in South Africa’s liberation struggle, galvanising internal resistance

Fall of the Berlin Wall

Published on November 13, 2025

The Fall of the Berlin Wall marks the symbolic end of the Cold War and signals a global shift away from rigid ideological divisions. Its collapse accelerates democratic transitions across Eastern Europe and reshapes international political dynamics. For South Africa, this moment is significant as it contributes to changing global attitudes toward authoritarian systems, indirectly

Launch of the iPhone

Published on November 13, 2025

The iPhone is unveiled, marking a major turning point in global technology and communication. The device revolutionises how people interact with information, media, and each other, accelerating the rise of the digital economy. In South Africa, as elsewhere, mobile technology rapidly expands access to communication and services, transforming industries, business practices, and everyday life, and

1982

Published on October 23, 2025

From the time of its inception, the curated programme has always been organised around a central theme, idea or artistic thread. With the guidance and vision of the Artistic Director, these central ideas guide the selection and curation of work, culminating in a programme that feels fresh and distinct each year, and reflects the artistic

1981

Published on October 23, 2025

The Festival headed into the 80’s with an increasingly strengthened sense of identity and purpose. For the first time called the ‘National’ Festival of the Arts, the importance and scale of the work done annually in Makhanda was beginning to solidify in the artistic community. Mr DM Hopkins, then Chairman of the Festivals Committee, expressed

1980

Published on October 23, 2025

1980 was perhaps the first time that the then-named Five Roses Festival of the Arts had a programme that so closely resembled the structure of the National Arts Festival today. The curated programme was filled with Classical Music, Jazz, Opera, Fine Arts Theatre, and Film, and with artists who have continued to make regular appearances

1988

Published on October 23, 2025

With South Africa still being governed under a State of Emergency, the continued celebration of the National Arts Festival was a complex matter. Without wishing any festivities to appear insensitive to, or detached from, the immense hardships being experienced around the country, the Festival was mindful of the opportunities that it was able to provide

1987

Published on October 23, 2025

As civil unrest continued into 1987, the Festival continued to use its platform to promote diversity and inclusion for all South Africans. The value of the work done in the artistic sector at this time was profound, and was encapsulated beautifully by Jan Breitenbach’s introduction to the 1987 Festival: “In these times of social, political

1986

Published on October 23, 2025

1986 was a year marked by social and political turmoil in South Africa. Amidst the collapse of the Rand, protest action against racial segregation laws, and increasing levels of violence between the state and civilians, the Festival programme was arranged around the theme ‘Encounters’. Although the Festival has always striven to remain apolitical itself, we

1985

Published on October 23, 2025

The Festival’s commitment to honouring South African artists and to providing a platform for South African voices continued into this, its second decade. The programme for the 1985 Standard Bank National Festival of the Arts, with a cover designed by Cecil Skotnes, is packed with names and titles familiar to seasoned audiences and newcomers alike.

1984

Published on October 23, 2025

Affectionately called the Festival of Celebration within the arts community, the 1984 Festival marked the 10th anniversary of the National Arts Festival. It was also the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial partnership with Standard Bank, who took over as the primary sponsors. Now known as The Standard Bank National Festival of the Arts,

1983

Published on October 23, 2025

1983 was a milestone for the National Arts Festival and its ability to showcase and promote indigenous artists. Whilst the Festival has always welcomed art and artists from all backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures, 1983 marked the first year that the Festival was able to place these voices firmly in the centre of the programme.  Dudley

1993

Published on October 23, 2025

Two exciting new programmes were added to the Festival repertoire this year. The Smirnoff Jazz Festival – a festival within the Festival – had been a popular feature of the Fringe from 1989 to 1991 and had, by all accounts, been sorely missed in 1992. In 1993, it was not only welcomed back with great

1992

Published on October 23, 2025

Festival goers arrived in 1992 to find that the Festival had a whole new look! For the first time, the National Arts Festival had its own branding. The logos of Standard Bank and the 1820 Foundation had been replaced by the Festival’s new emblem – three flags in red, green and blue. As Professor Alan

1991

Published on October 23, 2025

As the socio-political transformation of South Africa continued to unfold, the National Arts Festival found itself more able than ever to engage with cultural groups, political organizations and artistic movements to which our access had long been restricted. The Festival felt this not only as an encouraging opportunity for new growth, but also as a

1990

Published on October 23, 2025

At the start of the new decade, the National Arts Festival naturally reflected on its growth over the preceding fifteen years. In his Festival Message, Professor Alan Crump – Chairman of the Festival Committee – reminded festival goers that the Fringe had begun with just five events in 1978! There were 21 events in the

1989

Published on October 23, 2025

If art is a mirror for society, then the 1989 National Arts Festival reflected a collective certainty that change in the country’s political regime was imminent. Although the Festival is apolitical, this year’s programme contains hints of the democratic future that lay just around the corner. For the first time, contributors to the programme referenced

1994

Published on October 23, 2025

1994 was a year of incredible celebration, not just for the Festival, but for the country as a whole. Earlier that year, South Africa had held the first general election in which all races and ethnicities were able to participate equally. Though the Apartheid regime had been coming to an end for several years, these

1999

Published on October 23, 2025

To mark the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the National Arts Festival, the programme opened with an address from a very special patron: “As patron of the 1999 twenty-fifth anniversary Standard Bank  National Arts Festival, it is a pleasure to welcome festival-goers to Grahamstown. Over the years, the arts have played a critical part

1998

Published on October 23, 2025

 Despite being well into its third decade, the 1998 Festival boasted a number of exciting firsts! On the Curated Drama programme there were no fewer than eight plays written by South Africans. Of the total of 11 productions, seven were premieres. Brazilian actress and playwright Denise Stoklos made her first appearance in our country, as

1997

Published on October 23, 2025

In a particularly candid and comprehensive programme note, Professor Alan Crump addressed some of the concerns that had been raised by members of the public and media over the past few years. Reading it today, it is striking to see how many of the challenges faced by the Festival in 1997 still strike a chord

1996

Published on October 23, 2025

 In August of 1994, the 1820 Settler’s Monument had been devastated by a fire which left much of the building seriously damaged. Extensive renovations were undertaken, including a redesign of the Guy Butler Theatre, and in May of 1996 the building was re-dedicated by then-President Nelson Mandela. Parts of the old fire damaged walls were

1995

Published on October 23, 2025

As is often the case, there were a number of programme elements in 1995 that beautifully showcased the arts’ unique ability to encapsulate moments of history and culture. One such installation was the work of that year’s Standard Bank Young Artist for Visual Art – Jane Alexander. Working primarily in plaster, Alexander was interested in

2003

Published on October 23, 2025

Building on the success of the previous year’s model, 2003 saw two new sponsors added to the partnership that already included the NAC, EC DSRAC and Standard Bank. This year, the National Lotteries Distribution Trust and the SABC joined the partnership, reflecting the degree to which the Festival had truly become a national event. In

2002

Published on October 23, 2025

As had been hoped, new sponsors were able to step into play as Standard Bank withdrew. In 2002, and for the first time in its history, the National Arts Festival received a significant amount of its sponsorship from provincial government and the National Arts Council. Not only was this significant as the beginning of a

2001

Published on October 23, 2025

2001 was the 18th, and final, year of the Standard Bank National Arts Festival. The bank continued its sponsorship of the festival in several more niche areas, but was no longer the named sponsor of the Festival as a whole. Standard Banks CEO wrote a farewell of sorts, commemorating the banks long partnership with the

2000

Published on October 23, 2025

The first festival of the new millennium contained an incredible 227 live performances! The festival committee in that year was a powerhouse of well-known professionals, including: Mannie Manim, Guy Butler, Richard Cock, Marthinus Basson, Khayalethu Lennox Faba, Ingrid Fiske, Vicki Karras, Melanie Hillebrand, Sibongile Khumalo, Mokale Koapeng, Ramolao Makhene, Tale Motsepe, Sydney Selepe, Lara Foot,

2006

Published on October 23, 2025

A familiar name appears in a surprising place in the 2006 programme! Former Artistic Advisor, Roy Sargaent appears in a new capacity – as director of Artscape’s The Boy Who Fell From the Roof. Another familiar name should be Churchill Madikida, the 2006 Young Artist for Visual Arts. His exhibition Like Father Like Son? was

2004

Published on October 23, 2025

2004 was a year of milestones – South Africa celebrated 10 years of democracy, the National Arts Festival celebrated its 30th birthday, and Rhodes University celebrated its 100th year. In art, as in life, the celebration was also touched with sadness, as we bid farewell to a beloved member of the Festival family. Mr Ramolao

2005

Published on October 23, 2025

  Mannie Manim, who had by now been Festival Chairman for several years, used his programme note in 2005 to encourage festival goers to visit the Fringe events. It was certainly true that the Fringe programme had continued to grow in leaps and bounds over the years. As Fringe work is completely self-funded, or at

2012

Published on October 23, 2025

Seasoned festival attendees might have noticed that, in 2012, the programme was slightly edgier and more daring than it had been in the past. Explaining this choice, the new Chairperson of the Artistic Committee Jay Pather, explored the role of the Festival, and the arts, in the contemporary political landscape:      “In our deliberations at the

2008

Published on October 23, 2025

Two significant changes were afoot in the tight knit Festival team in 2008. We were in the processing of bidding farewell to Lynette Marais, our Festival Director, who was entering a well-deserved and hard-earned retirement. Lynette had steered the Festival ship remarkably for more than two decades. As Ayanda Mjekula, Chairman of the National Arts

2007

Published on October 23, 2025

For many years, the Jazz programme had been a favourite amongst festival audiences. Despite withdrawing as the primary sponsor, Standard Bank continued to sponsor more niche elements of the programme, including the Standard Bank Jazz Festival, and the Youth Jazz Festival. The Jazz programme, always vibrant and varied, includes performances from seasoned professional to emerging

2016

Published on October 23, 2025

In his final year as Artistic Director, Ishmail Mohammed had organized the 2016 programme into Curatorial Strands – themes running through the diverse programme elements, allowing it to be understood both in parts and as a whole. These six Curatorial Strands were: Celebrating Women; Conflict & Resolution; the Politics of Identity; Legends & Legacies; Re-imagining

2015

Published on October 23, 2025

VIBRANT FORCE FOR ADVOCACY AND CHALLENGING THE CONSCIENCE – A message from the Artistic Committee “The 2015 programme of the National Arts Festival has been shaped by diverse threads: the heated national debate surrounding the legacies of South African history; significant anniversaries of a number of arts icons; the global public engagement concerning the limits

2013

Published on October 23, 2025

Where Jay Pather’s welcome to the 2012 Festival highlighted the innovation of that year, his greeting in 2013 was more what he himself called “a call to realism.” The 2013 programme was burdened by many of the same cares that affect the National Arts Festival, and arts organisations nationwide, today. A lack of funding, coupled

2018

Published on October 23, 2025

With an ale unveiled the year before, you might be forgiven for thinking the Festival could have nothing more exciting up its sleeve for 2018. But you’d be wrong! This year, the Festival hit the digital ground running with the launch of the brand new app! Not only could audience members now book tickets with

2017

Published on October 23, 2025

Introducing… the Festival of Ale! For the first time, the National Arts Festival had its own signature drinks. In partnership with the Featherstone Brewery, we crafted the Festival Ale so that thirsty patrons, tired technicians and excited artists could look forward to something cold, frosty, and truly special at the end of each day! The

1979

Published on October 7, 2025

This time called the Five Roses Festival of the Arts after a new sponsorship, the 1979 Festival was produced in collaboration with the then-named Department of National Education. The effect of this collaboration is self-evident in the programme for this year which, in addition to what had become the regular offering of gala concerts, orchestras,

1978

Published on October 1, 2025

With a naming sponsorship from Sharp Electronics, the 1978 Sharp Festival of the Arts was able to recapture some of its earlier ambition. The Fine Arts took a front seat, as one of the Monument Building’s primary functions – as an exhibition space – was able to be fully realised for the first time. Curated

1977

Published on October 1, 2025

After three years of successful festivals, there was some debate as to whether another would be possible in 1977. Economic recession and petrol rationing, to say nothing of a tumultuous political situation, had led to financially challenging times across the country. The programme’s opening note, by Professor Guy Butler, explains the motivation to forge ahead:

1976

Published on October 1, 2025

1976’s festival was officially called the Shakespeare Festival. As the name suggests, the programme was focused on fostering an appreciation and enjoyment of Shakespearean drama, and included performances and films of an incredible variety of his works, from Richard III, Macbeth and Othello to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo & Juliet and Love’s Labours Lost. 

1974

Published on January 1, 1974

The inaugural Festival celebrated the official opening and dedication of the 1820 Settlers Monument Building. Operating as a living monument to the cultural heritage of all South Africans, the building contains numerous venues, from a spectacular 1000 seater auditorium to small meeting rooms, including a fully functional kitchen, banqueting area, bar and coffee shop. The